The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Medals for team of young explorers
Fife pupils have been rewarded for their achievements after a life-changing expedition to Greenland.
Ten young Arctic explorers received a Polar Academy medal at a ceremony hosted by Lord Bruce at Broomhall House.
The medals were presented to the expedition team of seven girls and three boys from Lochgelly High in recognition of their courage and achievements after they completed a 14-day, 100km expedition in Eastern Greenland with the Polar Academy charity.
The youngsters, aged between 14 and 17, and head teacher Carol Ann Penrose braved snowstorms and temperatures as low as -25C.
They camped on sea ice and visited Inuit villages and throughout the journey each pupil was required to haul their own 45kg sled.
The Polar Academy was founded in 2013 by Craig Mathieson to inspire youths struggling with lack of confidence to transform their lives through exploration.
Craig, who in 2014 was named the first explorer in residence of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society in 129 years, was the expedition leader.
He said: “These pupils have achieved the extraordinary by pushing themselves physically and mentally to the limit. Their rekindled sense of self-confidence is evident to all.
“They are more than ready to inspire others struggling with self-confidence and esteem to take that first vital step to change their lives for the better.
“Each is deserving of a rare and coveted Polar Academy Medal.”
Lord Bruce added: “The Bruce Family is delighted to be involved with a truly worthwhile cause such as The Polar Academy.
“It is a great pleasure to welcome the Lochgelly team on their safe return to Scotland and to host the awards ceremony at Broomhall House.
“Several members of my family have gone to the ends of the earth in a similar spirit of adventure.”
Like the participants of three previous expeditions, each of the pupils will now share their personal accounts with their peer groups in Fife and throughout Scotland.